Jermain Defoe, Toronto FC – The Tottenham import put the Reds’ opener on ice early with two goals in his first 23 Major League Soccer minutes, displaying the type of finishing that makes him the league’s highest paid player.

Shea Salinas, San Jose Earthquakes – Particularly after San Jose introduced a third forward early in the second half, everything want through the Earthquakes’ winger in their 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake. Salinas had a strong case for Player of the Week.

Maurice Edu, Philadelphia Union – A second straight staring performance from the Stoke City refugee. Without Brian Carroll’s help (out, illness), Edu continued to provide the anchor in the middle, accumulating six tackles and four interceptions as Philadelphia dominated New England. If there was a Best XI after two weeks, he’d be in it.

Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake – A strong start to the U.S. international’s 2014 was accentuated with a great, left-footed, 26-yard goal in Santa Clara. His team gave up three goals, but they all had to go over and around RSL’s captain.

Leonardo Fernandes, Philadelphia Union – A number of the honorable mentions have a claim to this spot, but playing his part in Philadelphia’s midfield dominance, Fernandes and his first half assist give him the edge on the field. In his first Major League Soccer start, the Brazilian completed 88 percent of his Saturday passes.

Mauro Rosales, Chivas USA – Rosales was the inspiration behind the Goats’ Sunday showing, one which nearly saw a 10-man team take full points from visiting Vancouver. Though they conceded late, Rosales’s effort, skill on set pieces, and open play creativity kept his team in the game, particularly in the moments after Agustín Pelletieri’s early dismissal.

Tony Lochhead, Chivas USA – Other Chivas USA defenders were strong this weekend, but among the league’s left backs, the New Zealand international rose to the top of the list. Like the rest of his teammates, Lochhead’s performance was crucial to overcoming Pelletieri’s 13th minute red card.

Aurélien Collin, Sporting Kansas City – FC Dallas couldn’t get much going on Saturday, partly because their rare forays into their attacking half were often met with Collin and Matt Besler preserving Sporting’s possession. In the 81st minute, Collin distinguished himself from his partner in central defense by heading Kansas City in front.

Víctor Bernárdez, San Jose Earthquakes – Our Player of the Weekhad an up-and-down performance but delivered when it mattered most, scoring in the 75th and 95th minutes as San Jose salvaged a 3-3 draw.

Kofie Sarkodie, Houston Dynamo – For the second straight week, both Dynamo fullbacks put in noteworthy performances, but just as Collin’s goal distinguished him from Besler, Sarkodie’s second half clearance off the Houston line gave him the edge on Corey Ashe. BBVA Compass is the home to MLS’s best fullback tandem.

Zac MacMath, Philadelphia Union – Though we went gaga over Nick Rimando’s stop at Buck Shaw, MacMath’s save on Diego Fagundez in Saturday’s first half was equally impressive. Instead of giving up three goals in a draw, though, MacMath had three saves in a shutout win. No doubt, the Revolution made his day an easy one, but MacMath also prevented what was close to a sure-fire goal. He’s the third Union player in our team this week.